Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has stepped into the political arena with a pro-Trump ad campaign.
At a Glance
- Harrison Butker, Super Bowl-winning kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, released a pro-Trump ad
- The ad encourages voters to “Protect Your Faith” by supporting Donald Trump
- Butker cites Trump as the “most pro-life president” and emphasizes the importance of traditional values
- The NFL has distanced itself from Butker’s views, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion
- Chiefs owner Clark Hunt supports players using their platform for political expression
Butker’s Pro-Trump Campaign
Harrison Butker, the star kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, has launched a pro-Trump advertising campaign that’s catching the attention of sports fans and political observers alike. The campaign’s central message, “Protect Your Faith,” resonates with conservative voters who prioritize religious values and traditional policies.
Butker’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump is rooted in his belief that Trump is the candidate who best aligns with his pro-life stance and religious convictions. “I’m supporting the president that’s going to be the most pro-life president, I think Donald Trump [is right on the] topic that is the most crucial topic for me,” Butker stated in his ad campaign.
Those trying to separate sports and politics are probably kicking themselves now that #Chiefs' own #HarrisonButker endorsed #DonaldTrump for president. đ#BreakingNews story in caption! pic.twitter.com/KY1Rik2YDB
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 11, 2024
The Kansas Chiefs star made headlines earlier this year when he told female graduates to focus on raising children instead of pursuing careers.
Faith and Politics in Sports
The kicker’s foray into political discourse is not without precedent in the sports world, where his endorsement has garnered both support and condemnation. “You have to vote for whoever’s going to be the most pro-life president, and we have to be prayerful men that put God first, and I think that’s what’s going to be best for our country,” the kicker declared.
The NFL, mindful of its diverse fan base, has taken steps to distance itself from Butker’s personal views. In a statement, the league emphasized, “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
Team and League Responses
Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, however, has expressed support for playersâ right to declare their political allegiances. “One of the things I talk to the players every year about at training camp is using their platform to make a difference. We have players on both sides of the political spectrum, both sides of whatever controversial issue you want to bring up. I’m not at all concerned when our players use their platform to make a difference,” Hunt stated.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes disagrees, and said he doesnât want to use his platform to support either candidate, but to encourage Americans to go out and participate in their democracy. âMy place is to inform people to get registered to vote. It’s to inform people to do their own research and then make the best decision for them and their family,” Mahomes explained.
Celebrities are facing mounting criticism for injecting their views into politics. Several stars have joined both candidates on the campaign trail this year, with superstar Taylor Swift backing Kamala Harris and prompting Trump to publicly announce that he âhatesâ her.
